Every spring 18,000 red-sided garter snakes emerge from their eight-month hibernation underground at the Narcisse Wildlife Area in Manitoba, Canada. Scientists such as Bob Mason see this as a prime opportunity for experimentation to try to unlock some of the mysteries of snake behavior. His work will prove intrinsically interesting to many young readers, but it’s made all the more intriguing through Sy Montgomery’s excellent prose and Nic Bishop’s stunning color photographs. Together they describe the basics of Bob Mason’s work with these garter snakes, as well as the ways in which community members get involved to help the scientists out. (Ages 7-11)

Dr. Robert Mason, the current recipient of the National Science Foundation's Young Investigator Award, has been studying a mysterious phenomenon for over fifteen years - one of the most extraordinary events of the natural world - the reemergence from a winter spent in a state of suspended animation in subterranean caverns of tens of thousands of red-sided garter snakes - the world's largest concentration of snakes. The work of scientists can often seem mysterious and intimidating to the nonscientist. No longer! Introducing an exciting perspective on the important work of scientists in all areas of research and study. Scientists in the Field show people immersed in the unpredictable and dynamic natural world, making science more accessible, relevant, and exciting to young readers. Far from the research laboratory, these books show first-hand adventures in the great outdoors - adventures with a purpose. From climbing into a snake den with thousands of slithering snakes to tracking wolves